Was this the case with a report by the BBC's New York Correspondent, Matthew Price, broadcast on Radio 4's Today programme (16 November) and discussed on Feedback (22 November)?
Price had been on assignment in Mexico, where he witnessed the aftermath of several drug-related murders and the despair and distress of several relatives of the victims.
Listener Roz Bailey-Sparks wrote to complain:
"There was no need for this graphic report, broadcasting some poor woman's grief at the loss of her husband for all the world to hear. It was intrusive in the worst sense. Your correspondent was wrong to include this soundbite in his recording. BBC - please get back to what you used to be and stop sliding into the same sensationalist reporting style of the tabloid press."
Questioned about his package, Matthew Price responded:
"There is a reality in Mexico at the moment in which people's husbands most of the time, but on that night that we were there also people's children, are being killed. Now, some of the husbands are not entirely innocent, but certainly the children are, and I think that if we're out on the scene of an horrific evening like that, in a place where there is violence and death and grief, then I personally believe that I am failing the listeners if I am not telling them that story in that way."
Both listener and journalist had their say. Interestingly, Feedback presenter Roger Bolton left the question of whether the content was unacceptable unanswered. So was it too graphic? Was it scheduled at the wrong time?
Whatever your view, the piece generated an illuminating public discussion of important editorial issues and the editorial decision-making process. A real insight into what happens with a tough story, from the moment the reporter starts recording to the point where the package goes out.
